Over 180 students in first grade through 8 th grade in 22 schools around the Flathead Valley spent after school afternoons for six weeks in the magic kingdom of Arendelle—ruled by Princesses Elsa and Anna. They were divided into two casts: the Elsa cast and the Anna cast.
They learned first to listen, to share, to follow instructions, and to be part of a team. They then learned lines, songs, and choreography. And they learned blocking—where to be on a stage populated by over 90 other youngsters all telling the story of the princess whose magic involved inadvertently turning the surrounding world into snow and ice.
Artistic Director Betsi Morrison said that, to create an experience that each child will remember, ATP surrounds them with dazzling production values. In “Frozen,” that included “snow” that fell during the performance on audience and actors alike. It meant carrying lighted umbrellas, which were the particular characters’ personal snow flurries, and doing a rhythm number with colorful lighted mugs clacked together for the beat. Princess Elsa went from her wintery garment to a sparkling sequined gown in the blink of a black out and from Arendelle to the glistening ice palace on the mountain top.
All four performances were sold out, and the audiences rewarded the young thespians with roaring standing ovations. To help the youngsters remember their night in Arendelle, ATP provided a “selfie booth” where they could pose for photos with a Frozen billboard.
Since its inception in 2008, almost 2000 local students have participated in ATP Kids. No child is ever turned away. Scholarships provided by ATP donors are available where needed.